The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College, Ohio’s largest university and community college, are working together to create more access for Ohioans who want an affordable bachelor’s degree with “Buckeye Bridge” that guarantees free tuition.

Buckeye Bridge, a new partnership between Ohio State and Columbus State, guarantees eligible Columbus State graduates admission to Ohio State’s Columbus campus tuition and mandatory-fee free for up to eight semesters.

To be eligible, students must: 

• Be an Ohio resident
• Earn an associate degree from Columbus State  
• Have a student or family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, verified through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• File the FAFSA annually by OSU’s priority deadline (2/1/2026)
• Transfer to Ohio State within three semesters of graduating Columbus State
• Maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress at Ohio State 

The new initiative between The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College will provide students with a tuition-free path to finish their bachelor’s degree.

Buckeye Bridge creates a stronger connection to Ohio State for Columbus State graduates, enabling more central Ohioans to earn their bachelor’s degrees.

The program is a key element of Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.’s “Education for Citizenship 2035” strategic framework, delivering on his commitment to access and affordability priorities and supporting workforce development and service to the state of Ohio.

Low- to middle-income Ohioans who earn an associate degree from Columbus State will qualify for the new program at Ohio State, which will cover all tuition and mandatory fees.

“Buckeye Bridge is an exciting new opportunity to expand access and affordability for Ohio students and meet the workforce needs of our state. With this program, students will be able to develop the skills they need for in-demand careers that require four-year degrees. We’re so pleased to join with our longtime partners at Columbus State on this important effort,” said
Ted Carter, Ohio State President.

More than 1,000 students per year transfer from Columbus State to Ohio State, the largest transfer partnership in the state. Buckeye Bridge promises to increase that number as the college and university build on their long-established transfer pathways.

“Buckeye Bridge will have a transformational impact. This is a guaranteed opportunity for a debt-free bachelor’s degree, designed to make it easy and predictable for students and families. Together, Columbus State and Ohio State are not only helping students launch successful careers, we’re strengthening the talent ecosystem that drives our region’s economic prosperity,” said David Harrison, Columbus State President.

Buckeye Bridge will enable more central Ohioans to complete a four-year degree program and will offer tools to help students throughout their academic career. Beyond the financial aid offered through the program, Ohio State and Columbus State will provide intentional and coordinated support for transfer students to address other barriers to student success.

The new program guarantees admission to Ohio State’s Columbus campus and is available to all students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Students will be eligible for the Buckeye Bridge program for up to eight semesters or through the completion of a first bachelor’s degree.

However, some majors and colleges at Ohio State have additional admission requirements or competitive processes.

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